12th April

FJ Williams Profile Picture
FJW 1955-2007
CH Williams Profile Picture
CHW 2015-
JC Williams Profile Picture
JCW 1897-1939
C Williams Profile Picture
CW 1940-1955


2024 – CHW

Apparently the weather is finally going to improve.

Prunus mahaleb is not a particularly interesting species but the pigeons have been enjoying the opening buds for the last few days.

Prunus mahaleb
Prunus mahaleb
Prunus ‘Gyoiko’ just coming out. It really is green in bud.
Prunus ‘Gyoiko’
Prunus ‘Gyoiko’
Frankie has sorted out the collapsed bank on the drive when the sweet chestnut fell in.
collapsed bank
collapsed bank
Frankie has now dug up the sacrifice camellias in the Styrax collection area. After we had cut them back they have come up with plenty of roots and, later today, they will all be replanted below White Styles.
dug up the sacrifice camellias
dug up the sacrifice camellias
With the remaining trees all up lifted the whole area now looks much more accessible and open to view all the plants properly.
remaining trees all up lifted
remaining trees all up lifted
remaining trees all up lifted
remaining trees all up lifted
Staphylea bolanderi is now out.
Staphylea bolanderi
Staphylea bolanderi
Magnolia ‘Fairy Lime’ is now rather more visible.
Magnolia ‘Fairy Lime’
Magnolia ‘Fairy Lime’
More rhododendron stumps get dug out.
rhododendron stumps
rhododendron stumps
Staphylea holocarpa ‘Innocence’.
Staphylea holocarpa ‘Innocence’
Staphylea holocarpa ‘Innocence’
Neolitsea sericea ‘Silver Leaf’ with its new growth.
Neolitsea sericea ‘Silver Leaf’
Neolitsea sericea ‘Silver Leaf’
Pittosporum glabratum is flowering well and growing quickly.
Pittosporum glabratum
Pittosporum glabratum
Pittosporum glabratum
Pittosporum glabratum
More laurel to come out to extend the planting area above the greenhouse.
More laurel to come out
More laurel to come out
New growth on Fraxinus baroniana.
Fraxinus baroniana
Fraxinus baroniana
More clearance in the rhododendron planting area.
clearance in the rhododendron planting area
clearance in the rhododendron planting area

2023 – CHW
A tour of Old Park with 2 of the 4 grandchildren; Isla and Bea.Malus ‘Royal Beauty’ – another one out in the Kitchen Garden.

Malus ‘Royal Beauty’
Malus ‘Royal Beauty’
The Gunnera beds in Old Park are taking off. Some of these leaves have grown at least a foot in the last 4 days.
Gunnera beds
Gunnera beds
Magnolia ‘Tikitere’ just coming out. One of the last of the New Zealanders to do so.
Magnolia ‘Tikitere’
Magnolia ‘Tikitere’
Magnolia ‘Tikitere’
Magnolia ‘Tikitere’
RJW and Isla inspect Magnolia ‘Fairy White’.
Magnolia ‘Fairy White’
Magnolia ‘Fairy White’
Betula utilis jacquemontii ‘Pink Champagne’ has shed its old bark and now has a pinkish trunk.
Betula utilis jacquemontii ‘Pink Champagne’
Betula utilis jacquemontii ‘Pink Champagne’
Impressive catkins now on Salix hookeriana.
Salix hookeriana
Salix hookeriana
Salix hookeriana
Salix hookeriana
Magnolia ‘Strawberry Shake’ in the Isla Rose isn’t that exciting.
Magnolia ‘Strawberry Shake’
Magnolia ‘Strawberry Shake’
Magnolia ‘Strawberry Shake’
Magnolia ‘Strawberry Shake’
Magnolia ‘Sunset Swirl’ certainly is although only one flower.
Magnolia ‘Sunset Swirl’
Magnolia ‘Sunset Swirl’
Magnolia ‘Sunset Swirl’
Magnolia ‘Sunset Swirl’
Magnolia ‘Dark Bird’ is excellent too although the name is not in any reference book and has not been registered. Difficult to say what size the flowers are as the seem very variable.
Magnolia ‘Dark Bird’
Magnolia ‘Dark Bird’
Magnolia ‘Dark Bird’
Magnolia ‘Dark Bird’

2022 – CHW

The three-phase electric cables awaiting connection outside the back yard.

electric cables
electric cables
Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ showing its full colour range.
Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’
Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’
Magnolia ‘Genie’ and Rhododendron ‘Cornish Red’ outside the front arch.
Magnolia ‘Genie’
Magnolia ‘Genie’
Magnolia ‘Blushing Belle’ as good as ever.
Magnolia ‘Blushing Belle’
Magnolia ‘Blushing Belle’
The newly planted Berberis subcaudata with its first flowers.
Berberis subcaudata
Berberis subcaudata
Gamblea pseudoevodiifolia (BSWJ 11707) just coming into growth in the Rookery.
Gamblea pseudoevodiifolia
Gamblea pseudoevodiifolia
An odd cluster of new shoots on a scented rhododendron. Is the term for this a cladode? It is not really a ‘flattened leaf like stem’.
rhododendron
rhododendron
Rhododendron ‘Broughtonii’
Rhododendron ‘Broughtonii’
Rhododendron ‘Broughtonii’
Rhododendron ‘Broughtonii’
Rhododendron ‘Broughtonii’
A newly planted Magnolia cavaleriei var. platypetala (gift from Raf Lenaerts in 2017) with a few flowers.
Magnolia cavaleriei var. platypetala
Magnolia cavaleriei var. platypetala
Magnolia cavaleriei var. platypetala
Magnolia cavaleriei var. platypetala
What is this (I suspect) euonymus? A big tree behind the Camellia tsai plantation. My guess is Euonymus myrianthus.
Euonymus myrianthus
Euonymus myrianthus
Euonymus myrianthus
Euonymus myrianthus
Euonymus myrianthus
Euonymus myrianthus
Euonymus myrianthus
Euonymus myrianthus
Daphniphyllum oldhamii (CWJ 12351) in flower for the second time.
Daphniphyllum oldhamii
Daphniphyllum oldhamii
Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’ x Magnolia liliiflora ‘Holland Red’ with its first flower. Interesting and certainly has the liliiflora shape.
Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’ x Magnolia liliiflora ‘Holland Red’
Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’ x Magnolia liliiflora ‘Holland Red’
A wren has built a nest in the echiums.
nest
nest

2021 – CHW
A day to see a few things just coming into first leaf on a sunny day but still near frost overnight.Camellia ‘Fairy Wand’
Camellia ‘Fairy Wand’
Camellia ‘Fairy Wand’
Sorbus dunnii with leaf coming and old fruits still there.
Sorbus dunnii
Sorbus dunnii
Maddenia hypoleuca – flowers nearly over and leaves appearing.
Maddenia hypoleuca
Maddenia hypoleuca
Cercidiphyllum japonicum var. magnificum
Cercidiphyllum japonicum var. magnificum
Cercidiphyllum japonicum var. magnificum
Dipteronia sinensis
Dipteronia sinensis
Dipteronia sinensis
Aesculus assamica
Aesculus assamica
Aesculus assamica
Pinus ponderosa
Pinus ponderosa
Pinus ponderosa
Salix magnifica
Salix magnifica
Salix magnifica
Salix fargesii
Salix fargesii
Salix fargesii
Populus purdomii
Populus purdomii
Populus purdomii
Magnolia ‘Green Bee’ – just one flower out.
Magnolia ‘Green Bee’
Magnolia ‘Green Bee’
Tilia amurensis
Tilia amurensis
Tilia amurensis
Could not resist more Magnolia ‘Apricot Brandy’ as the tepal colours change.
Magnolia ‘Apricot Brandy’
Magnolia ‘Apricot Brandy’
Magnolia ‘Apricot Brandy’
Magnolia ‘Apricot Brandy’
Magnolia ‘Carlos’ just out too.
Magnolia ‘Carlos’
Magnolia ‘Carlos’
Salix udensis ‘Golden Sunshine’
Salix udensis ‘Golden Sunshine’
Salix udensis ‘Golden Sunshine’
Pterocarya fraxinifolia
Pterocarya fraxinifolia
Pterocarya fraxinifolia
Sorbus yuana
Sorbus yuana
Sorbus yuana
Camellia ‘High Fragrance’ – and it certainly is. Flowers over a very long period.
Camellia ‘High Fragrance’
Camellia ‘High Fragrance’
Camellia ‘High Fragrance’
Camellia ‘High Fragrance’
Sophora japonica ‘Sun King’ absolutely superb again this year.
Sophora japonica ‘Sun King’
Sophora japonica ‘Sun King’
Photinia serratifolia x ardisifolia (ex Crûg).
Photinia serratifolia x ardisifolia
Photinia serratifolia x ardisifolia
Rhododendron fulvum above Higher Quarry Nursery.
Rhododendron fulvum
Rhododendron fulvum
Rhododendron ‘Jim Russell’ (cilicalyx hybrid).
Rhododendron ‘Jim Russell’
Rhododendron ‘Jim Russell’
Rhododendron lutescens at its very best on Quarry Path.
Rhododendron lutescens
Rhododendron lutescens

2020 – CHW
I have been wondering why attacks are being made on phone masts in some areas and assumed that this was just some conspiracy nutters worried about ‘big brother’ and their movements being traced via their phones. The BBC, who deliver their ‘service’ through transmitter masts as well, have of course rubbished the story.Delving further into this fake news story it would seem that there is more to the story than just ‘nutters’. Where new 5G communication systems have actually been turned on (eg Wuhan, London, Birmingham) the incidence of corona has been at its greatest. A good bit of Chinese technology presumably involved in 5G. I do not pretend to understand this, and it is probably fanciful, however, it is about as unscientific as a good bit of the scientific modelling on the disease from Professor Ferguson (250,000 deaths) for the government. In the public inquiry to follow is it any dafter than suggesting that the death statistics show less smokers are actually catching and dying from COVID-19 than non-smokers? This is the theme this week of Rod Liddle’s article in The Spectator which is hugely entertaining. His statistics try to prove his case, if indeed, his stats are any more reliable or true than anyone else’s when the dust settles. The nutters with their 5G conspiracy theory may not be quite as mad as we would like to assume at present. Orwell again being proved correct as Karol so enjoys telling me from afar.I am told that our local hospitals are only 50% full as they await the onslaught. If they have 20% of their staff at home in isolation (or absent anyway) what are the rest doing as they wait? The reality is not (down here at least) what we are all being led to believe over this glorious Easter weekend of weather.Magnolia ‘Peachy’ full out suddenly.
Magnolia ‘Peachy’
Magnolia ‘Peachy’
Magnolia ‘Peachy’
Magnolia ‘Peachy’
Magnolia ‘Peachy’
Magnolia ‘Peachy’
Magnolia ‘Serene’ still out but the flowers are smaller and paler than usual.
Magnolia ‘Serene’
Magnolia ‘Serene’
Magnolia ‘Serene’
Magnolia ‘Serene’
Tilia mongolica ‘Harvest Moon’ just coming into leaf.
Tilia mongolica ‘Harvest Moon’
Tilia mongolica ‘Harvest Moon’
Laurus azorica nicely out and covered in bees.
Laurus azorica
Laurus azorica
Laurus nobilis is nothing like as good in flower.
Laurus nobilis
Laurus nobilis
Aesculus assamica just coming into leaf.
Aesculus assamica
Aesculus assamica
Magnolia ‘Banana Split’ is now properly out.
Magnolia ‘Banana Split’
Magnolia ‘Banana Split’
Prunus incisa is now a splendid show. Planted in 2010 and already 12-15ft.
Prunus incisa
Prunus incisa
Prunus incisa
Prunus incisa
Prunus incisa
Prunus incisa
Magnolia ‘Lemon Star’ now full out too.
Magnolia ‘Lemon Star’
Magnolia ‘Lemon Star’
Magnolia ‘Lemon Star’
Magnolia ‘Lemon Star’
Magnolia ‘Cleopatra’ has faded but still a show after six weeks.
Magnolia ‘Cleopatra’
Magnolia ‘Cleopatra’
A 2019 present from Windsor coming into leaf – Acer ‘Valley Phantom’ with exceptional white bark to follow presumably.
Acer ‘Valley Phantom’
Acer ‘Valley Phantom’
Acer ‘Valley Phantom’
Acer ‘Valley Phantom’
Eurya japonica just out – tiny flowers.
Eurya japonica
Eurya japonica
Camellia ‘Extravaganza’ with different coloured flowers (as usual) on the same large plant.
Camellia ‘Extravaganza’
Camellia ‘Extravaganza’
Camellia ‘Extravaganza’
Camellia ‘Extravaganza’
Camellia ‘Extravaganza’
Camellia ‘Extravaganza’
First flowers out on Rhododendron ‘Michael’s Pride’.
Rhododendron ‘Michael's Pride’
Rhododendron ‘Michael’s Pride’
Magnolia x brooklynensis ‘Woodsman’ x Magnolia ‘Pink Surprise’ looks drab from a distance but not up close as it comes out. A very vigorous tree which has improved with age (Magnolia ‘Pink Surprise’ is Magnolia ‘Galaxy’ x Magnolia ‘Toro’).
Magnolia x brooklynensis ‘Woodsman’ x Magnolia ‘Pink Surprise’
Magnolia x brooklynensis ‘Woodsman’ x Magnolia ‘Pink Surprise’
Magnolia x brooklynensis ‘Woodsman’ x Magnolia ‘Pink Surprise’
Magnolia x brooklynensis ‘Woodsman’ x Magnolia ‘Pink Surprise’
Magnolia x brooklynensis ‘Woodsman’ x Magnolia ‘Pink Surprise’
Magnolia x brooklynensis ‘Woodsman’ x Magnolia ‘Pink Surprise’
First Rhododendron loderi to flower this year at Caerhays.
Rhododendron loderi
Rhododendron loderi
Magnolia ‘Fairy Blush’ is just coming out. ‘Fairy White’ beside it is nearly over. Neither are as good as the new (to us) ‘Fairy Lime’.
Magnolia ‘Fairy Blush’
Magnolia ‘Fairy Blush’
Magnolia ‘Fairy Blush’
Magnolia ‘Fairy Blush’
Magnolia ‘Randy’ is one of the liliiflora ‘Nigra’ x stellata crosses with girls’ names.
Magnolia ‘Randy’
Magnolia ‘Randy’
Magnolia ‘Randy’
Magnolia ‘Randy’
Magnolia ‘Randy’
Magnolia ‘Randy’
A carpet of fallen flowers under Rhododendron ‘Mrs Butler’.
Rhododendron ‘Mrs Butler’
Rhododendron ‘Mrs Butler’
Magnolia ‘Ann’ is another of the ‘girls’. Very odd and tiny flowers at first which are quite variable and then get much larger. A very contorted and spreading plant which is 40 years old.
Magnolia ‘Ann’
Magnolia ‘Ann’
Magnolia ‘Ann’
Magnolia ‘Ann’
Magnolia ‘Ann’
Magnolia ‘Ann’
Exbury’s Rhododendron ‘Lady Montagu Group’ splendid today.
Exbury’s Rhododendron ‘Lady Montagu Group’
Exbury’s Rhododendron ‘Lady Montagu Group’
Rhododendron ‘Wine and Roses’ full out.
Rhododendron ‘Wine and Roses’
Rhododendron ‘Wine and Roses’
Rhododendron ‘Wine and Roses’
Rhododendron ‘Wine and Roses’
A young Stachyurus salicifolius flowering decently (top and bottom) for the first time.
Stachyurus salicifolius
Stachyurus salicifolius
Stachyurus salicifolius
Stachyurus salicifolius
First Zantedeshia aethiopica in full flower. No winter dieback at all.
Zantedeshia aethiopica
Zantedeshia aethiopica

2019 – CHW

Here are some pictures of Jaimie and Michael getting their three cups from the Cornwall Garden Society show for the magnolia displays.

Magnolia (Michelia) laevifolia x M. figo ‘White Caviar’ with its first flower in the greenhouse. It looks more like M. figo to me and I do not really get the ‘White Caviar’ bit but it is certainly attractive. Perhaps it fades to white? We will see in a few days.

Magnolia (Michelia) laevifolia x M. figo ‘White Caviar’
Magnolia (Michelia) laevifolia x M. figo ‘White Caviar’
Rhododendron magnificum on the label but these huge flowers should be pink if it was absolutely true to name.
Rhododendron magnificum
Rhododendron magnificum
Rhododendron magnificum
Rhododendron magnificum
A Berberis hookeri liner in flower which Asia has propagated with great success from cuttings.
Berberis insignis var. insignis
Berberis insignis var. insignis
Clematis forsteri in flower in the greenhouse.
Ilex spinigera, a liner with flowers which was a gift from Roy Lancaster last week. Roy actually collected this species in northern Iran in 1972.
Ilex spinigera
Ilex spinigera
Magnolia ‘Yakeo’ hidden away below Slip Rail but very fine today.
Magnolia ‘Yakeo’
Magnolia ‘Yakeo’
Magnolia ‘Yakeo’
Magnolia ‘Yakeo’
Lindera triloba nicely in flower with its new growth coming.
Lindera triloba
Lindera triloba
Lindera triloba
Lindera triloba
Absurdly small flowers (about an inch across) on Magnolia ‘Mighty Mouse’. A good joke plant!
Magnolia ‘Mighty Mouse’
Magnolia ‘Mighty Mouse’
Magnolia ‘Mighty Mouse’
Magnolia ‘Mighty Mouse’
Magnolia ‘Daybreak’ (which is always muddled with Magnolia ‘Peachy’) just coming out. I am far from sure we have our two the right way around.
Magnolia ‘Daybreak’
Magnolia ‘Daybreak’
Magnolia ‘Daybreak’
Magnolia ‘Daybreak’
At last, after three separate searches over the last week, I have located the true Staphylea bumalda on Burns Bank. It is a spreading shrub as this species should be. The new foliage is still rather yellow and the flower trusses are still in tight bud.
Staphylea bumalda
Staphylea bumalda
Staphylea bumalda
Staphylea bumalda

2018 – CHW
A trip along Sinogrande Walk with seven dogs, camera and shotgun in the early evening. Chaos!A very fine Rhododendron niveum in its full glory (two firsts with this at Windsor last weekend when it was an even darker colour). A fairly temperamental and short lived species with us which died out originally at Donkey Show corner when I was a kid. We now have a few half decent 20 year old plants dotted about but have lost plenty more to wind and excessive wet which this species seems to heartily dislike. Perhaps such a superb (or nauseous?) colour makes it a ‘delicate’ subject? The colour of this plant is far better than others we have or the original I remember. My mother adored the colour; Dad less so when she threatened to get wallpaper made in this sort of hue!
Rhododendron niveum
Rhododendron niveum
Rhododendron niveum
Rhododendron niveum
Rhododendron niveum
Rhododendron niveum
Magnolia ‘Purpurascens’ is rather better than anything we saw yesterday.
Magnolia ‘Purpurascens’
Magnolia ‘Purpurascens’
Camellia ‘Candy Apple’ is perhaps an odd name for a red camellia? Some/most flowers are single with large stamens but others are more semi double with stamens and some have no stamens at all and are almost formal, albeit small, double flowers.
Camellia ‘Candy Apple’
Camellia ‘Candy Apple’
Camellia ‘Candy Apple’
Camellia ‘Candy Apple’
Camellia ‘Candy Apple’
Camellia ‘Candy Apple’
Rhododendron edgeworthii x leucaspis in a good clump. Some evidence of cold damage to some of the flowers but nice enough now out properly which it was not for the show. Little scent today because the cold has damaged the nectar at the base of some flowers as you can see.
Rhododendron edgeworthii x leucaspis
Rhododendron edgeworthii x leucaspis
Rhododendron edgeworthii x leucaspis
Rhododendron edgeworthii x leucaspis
Magnolia x veitchii from Cholipo arboretum in South Korea which we grew here from seed. Three flowers only, which may be its first, have a pleasant faint pink tinge all over when you look closely. Rather different to Magnolia x veitchii ‘Isca’ (white) which is not yet out at least on one of the two 1913 originals. The other is just starting. I suspect the pink tinge will fade but the flowers are larger here than on ‘Isca’ which I will try to photograph later on the trip if the dogs do not disappear for a spring shag (again) on the beach. More of a gang bang if several go I fear. More complaints!
A trip around with the author of a book on 100 years of the Rothschilds and Exbury to celebrate the Exbury centenary next year.
Magnolia x veitchii ‘Isca’
Magnolia x veitchii ‘Isca’
Magnolia x veitchii ‘Isca’
Magnolia x veitchii ‘Isca’
Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’ is showing colour. Perhaps not a good year but it is not as dark as Magnolia ‘Genie’.
Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’
Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’
Magnolia cylindrica (wild collected) full out and looking very fine. The plant we saw a few days ago was pure white and less vigorous.
Magnolia cylindrica
Magnolia cylindrica
Magnolia cylindrica
Magnolia cylindrica
Magnolia pseudokobus ‘Kubishimodoki’ showing colour and early leaves.
Magnolia pseudokobus ‘Kubishimodoki’
Magnolia pseudokobus ‘Kubishimodoki’
Enkianthus serrulatus out before the leaves appear. Yellowish-white.
Enkianthus serrulatus
Enkianthus serrulatus
An old Rhododendron arboreum ‘Blood Red’ which I had completely forgotten by Tin Garden.
Rhododendron arboreum ‘Blood Red’
Rhododendron arboreum ‘Blood Red’
Prunus matsumae ‘Beni-yutaka’ now full out.
Prunus matsumae ‘Beni-yutaka’
Prunus matsumae ‘Beni-yutaka’
Prunus matsumae ‘Beni-yutaka’
Prunus matsumae ‘Beni-yutaka’
A well coloured Rhododendron sinogrande just starting to flower.
Rhododendron sinogrande
Rhododendron sinogrande
Rhododendron sinogrande
Rhododendron sinogrande
Last few flowers on Magnolia x veitchii ‘Isca’ by Georges Hut.
Magnolia x veitchii ‘Isca’
Magnolia x veitchii ‘Isca’
Magnolia x veitchii ‘Isca’
Magnolia x veitchii ‘Isca’
A fine last flower on Magnolia ‘Albatross’.
Magnolia ‘Albatross’
Magnolia ‘Albatross’
Rhododendron pseudochrysanthemum now full out.
Rhododendron pseudochrysanthemum
Rhododendron pseudochrysanthemum
Rhododendron pseudochrysanthemum
Rhododendron pseudochrysanthemum
Rhododendron pseudochrysanthemum
Rhododendron pseudochrysanthemum
A flower on the last elderly but wind blasted Rhododendron sinogrande on Sinogrande Walk. Once there was a while row of them but ponticum clearance 10 to 15 years ago removed their shelter.
Rhododendron sinogrande
Rhododendron sinogrande
The second Magnolia dawsoniana outside the arch just starting.
Magnolia dawsoniana
Magnolia dawsoniana

2017 – CHW

A trip to Tregothnan in the evening to quietly look at their Camellia reticulata collection on my own with Evelyn. For a long time I have wanted to assess all the varieties against the much older Kunming camellias here. The main source of ‘new’ reticulata varieties in the collection was Nuccio Nurseries in the US although Tregothnan grafted most of them themselves before the first phase of planting out in 2003. The second batch of plants came from Stervinou Nurseries in France in 2007. No camellias (or even cuttings) can any longer be imported from the US due to phytosanitary restrictions so the Nuccio reticulata collection is impossible to access now. The French only have a much more limited range of varieties.

Camellia reticulatas, especially grafted plants, are notoriously difficult to grow, tend to be prone to viral infections, and are difficult to keep growing upright without branches flopping down from the weight of their flowers. Deer particularly like reticulatas too. So the Tregothnan reticulata collection has been a struggle but also now a triumph of achievement. Out of the 40 to 50 varieties about 10 had finished flowering and many of the rest were well past their best. However many varieties were entirely new to me and, as expected, several varieties have flowers which are both singles and double on the same bush.

The majority of the 2003 planting are growing now in full sun in the open and quite exposed to wind. The 2007 planting is more sheltered with dappled shade and the foliage is far better for this. One wonders how many other varieties have become casualties along the way.

Camellia reticulata ‘Lasca Beauty’ is quite well known.

Camellia reticulata ‘Lasca Beauty’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lasca Beauty’
Camellia reticulata ‘Simpatica’ is not.
Camellia reticulata ‘Simpatica’
Camellia reticulata ‘Simpatica’
Camellia reticulata ‘Simpatica’
Camellia reticulata ‘Simpatica’
Camellia reticulata ‘S P Dunn’ is a good blowsy red in bud fading thereafter.
Camellia reticulata ‘S P Dunn’
Camellia reticulata ‘S P Dunn’
Camellia reticulata ‘S P Dunn’
Camellia reticulata ‘S P Dunn’
Camellia reticulata ‘S P Dunn’
Camellia reticulata ‘S P Dunn’
Camellia reticulata ‘Debut’ – a very full double I had not seen before.
Camellia reticulata ‘Debut’
Camellia reticulata ‘Debut’
Camellia reticulata ‘Debut’
Camellia reticulata ‘Debut’
Camellia reticulata (hybrid) ‘Red Chrystal’ – a darkish red single but late flowering.
Camellia reticulata (hybrid) ‘Red Chrystal’
Camellia reticulata (hybrid) ‘Red Chrystal’
Camellia reticulata (hybrid) ‘Red Chrystal’
Camellia reticulata (hybrid) ‘Red Chrystal’
Camellia reticulata (hybrid) ‘Red Chrystal’
Camellia reticulata (hybrid) ‘Red Chrystal’
Camellia reticulata ‘Dobro’ – almost a paeony form – only one flower left.
Camellia reticulata ‘Dobro’
Camellia reticulata ‘Dobro’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lady Piet’ – another red full double.
Camellia reticulata ‘Lady Piet’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lady Piet’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lady Piet’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lady Piet’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lady Piet’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lady Piet’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lady Piet’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lady Piet’
Camellia reticulata ‘Nuccios Ruby’ – just one flower.
Camellia reticulata ‘Nuccios Ruby’
Camellia reticulata ‘Nuccios Ruby’
Camellia reticulata ‘Butterfly Wings’ (formerly Nuccio’s No 16) – much as its name implies and impressive both in bud and flower.
Camellia reticulata ‘Butterfly Wings’
Camellia reticulata ‘Butterfly Wings’
Camellia reticulata ‘Butterfly Wings’
Camellia reticulata ‘Butterfly Wings’
Camellia reticulata ‘Curtain Call’ – not a million miles away from ‘Captain Rawes’.
Camellia reticulata ‘Curtain Call’
Camellia reticulata ‘Curtain Call’
Camellia reticulata ‘Curtain Call’
Camellia reticulata ‘Curtain Call’
Camellia reticulata Nuccio’s No 18 – a bit like ‘Lady Clare’ but bigger.
Camellia reticulata Nuccio’s No 18
Camellia reticulata Nuccio’s No 18
Camellia reticulata ‘Emma Gaeta’ (formerly Nuccio’s No 23) – later flowering and varying flowers.
Camellia reticulata ‘Emma Gaeta’
Camellia reticulata ‘Emma Gaeta’
Camellia reticulata ‘Emma Gaeta’
Camellia reticulata ‘Emma Gaeta’
Camellia reticulata ‘Emma Gaeta’
Camellia reticulata ‘Emma Gaeta’
Camellia reticulata ‘Dr Clifford Parks’ – at least this one is more common and better known.
Camellia reticulata ‘Dr Clifford Parks’
Camellia reticulata ‘Dr Clifford Parks’
Camellia reticulata ‘Hulyn Smith’ – another one much like ‘Captain Rawes’.
Camellia reticulata ‘Hulyn Smith’
Camellia reticulata ‘Hulyn Smith’
Camellia reticulata ‘Hulyn Smith’
Camellia reticulata ‘Hulyn Smith’
Camellia reticulata ‘Hulyn Smith’
Camellia reticulata ‘Hulyn Smith’
Camellia reticulata ‘Frank Houser’ – a good red in bud.
Camellia reticulata ‘Frank Houser’
Camellia reticulata ‘Frank Houser’
Camellia reticulata ‘Frank Houser’
Camellia reticulata ‘Frank Houser’
Camellia reticulata ‘Frank Houser’
Camellia reticulata ‘Frank Houser’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lila Naff’ – some rather odd names – one wonders who these people actually were? Research to do.
Camellia reticulata ‘Lila Naff’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lila Naff’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lila Naff’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lila Naff’
Camellia reticulata Nuccio’s 35
Camellia reticulata Nuccio’s 35
Camellia reticulata Nuccio’s 35
Camellia reticulata Nuccio’s 35
Camellia reticulata Nuccio’s 35
Camellia reticulata Nuccio’s 35
Camellia reticulata Nuccio’s 35
Camellia reticulata Nuccio’s 36 – very similar to 35?
Camellia reticulata Nuccio’s 36
Camellia reticulata Nuccio’s 36
Camellia reticulata Nuccio’s 36
Camellia reticulata Nuccio’s 36
Camellia reticulata ‘Captain Rawes’ – one of the ancient original reticulatas surviving in the garden makes an interesting comparison. Some of the newer Nuccio’s are not really that much better even if perhaps larger and ‘blowsier’.
Camellia reticulata ‘Captain Rawes’
Camellia reticulata ‘Captain Rawes’
Camellia reticulata ‘Captain Rawes’
Camellia reticulata ‘Captain Rawes’
Camellia reticulata ‘Captain Rawes’
Camellia reticulata ‘Captain Rawes’
A rather nice Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ along the way.
Magnolia ‘Butterflies’
Magnolia ‘Butterflies’
Magnolia ‘Butterflies’
Magnolia ‘Butterflies’
Camellia reticulata ‘Mouchang’ – another we know and have grown at Burncoose. Fades quickly.
Camellia reticulata ‘Mouchang’
Camellia reticulata ‘Mouchang’
Camellia reticulata ‘Mouchang’
Camellia reticulata ‘Mouchang’
Camellia reticulata ‘Carl Tourje’
Camellia reticulata ‘Carl Tourje’
Camellia reticulata ‘Carl Tourje’
Camellia reticulata ‘Carl Tourje’
Camellia reticulata ‘Carl Tourje’
Camellia reticulata ‘Satans Robe’ – not a pure reticulata I suspect but a hell of a colour.
Camellia reticulata ‘Satans Robe’
Camellia reticulata ‘Satans Robe’
Camellia reticulata ‘Satans Robe’
Camellia reticulata ‘Satans Robe’
Camellia reticulata ‘Satans Robe’
Camellia reticulata ‘Satans Robe’
Camellia reticulata ‘Howard Asper’
Camellia reticulata ‘Howard Asper’
Camellia reticulata ‘Howard Asper’
Camellia reticulata ‘Howard Asper’
Camellia reticulata ‘Howard Asper’
Camellia reticulata ‘Red Emperor’ – another good red.
Camellia reticulata ‘Red Emperor’
Camellia reticulata ‘Red Emperor’
Camellia reticulata ‘Red Emperor’
Camellia reticulata ‘Red Emperor’
Camellia reticulata ‘Fortyniner’ – another one we have sold.
Camellia reticulata ‘Fortyniner’
Camellia reticulata ‘Fortyniner’
Camellia reticulata ‘Tom Knudsen’ – very good today.
Camellia reticulata ‘Tom Knudsen’
Camellia reticulata ‘Tom Knudsen’
Camellia reticulata ‘Tom Knudsen’
Camellia reticulata ‘Tom Knudsen’
Camellia reticulata ‘Tom Knudsen’
Camellia reticulata ‘Tom Knudsen’
Camellia reticulata ‘Tom Knudsen’
Camellia reticulata ‘Tom Knudsen’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lasca Beauty’ – again!
Camellia reticulata ‘Lasca Beauty’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lasca Beauty’
Camellia reticulata ‘Arch of Triumph’ – quite well known too.
Camellia reticulata ‘Arch of Triumph’
Camellia reticulata ‘Arch of Triumph’
Camellia reticulata ‘Pink Dahlia’ – virtually over but Evelyn said had been good. Hardly looks like a reticulata.
Camellia reticulata ‘Pink Dahlia’
Camellia reticulata ‘Pink Dahlia’
Camellia reticulata ‘Crimson Robe’
Camellia reticulata ‘Crimson Robe’
Camellia reticulata ‘Crimson Robe’
Camellia reticulata ‘Crimson Robe’
Camellia reticulata ‘Crimson Robe’
Camellia reticulata ‘Interval’
Camellia reticulata ‘Interval’
Camellia reticulata ‘Interval’
Camellia reticulata ‘Interval’
Camellia reticulata ‘Interval’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lady Piet’ – again.
Camellia reticulata ‘Lady Piet’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lady Piet’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lady Piet’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lady Piet’
Camellia reticulata ‘Crimson Robe’ x ‘Arch of Triumph’
Camellia reticulata ‘Crimson Robe’ x ‘Arch of Triumph’
Camellia reticulata ‘Crimson Robe’ x ‘Arch of Triumph’
Camellia reticulata ‘Crimson Robe’ x ‘Arch of Triumph’
Camellia reticulata ‘Crimson Robe’ x ‘Arch of Triumph’
Camellia reticulata ‘Red Emperor’ – again.
Camellia reticulata ‘Red Emperor’
Camellia reticulata ‘Red Emperor’
Camellia reticulata ‘Red Emperor’
Camellia reticulata ‘Red Emperor’
Very fine cones on Abies spectabilis. We need to acquire this!
Abies spectabilis
Abies spectabilis
Abies spectabilis
Abies spectabilis
Abies spectabilis
Abies spectabilis
Abies spectabilis
Abies spectabilis
Sadly ‘Buddha’ was over. This is very good.
I did not bother to photograph the pure white reticulata which is now here or the elderly ‘Frankie L’ which splits out as ours did from the way it grows and the weight of the flowers.‘Butterfly Wings’ stood out today as the ‘must have’ reticulata variety of the 35 individually photographed. I need to get to these earlier next year.

2016 – CHW
Meeting with Philip Brown to organise the tree planting here in late June by The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers in acknowledgment of the Historic Houses Association Garden of the Year. Sounds like another good lunch for the members of this city livery company!On the tour the best Rhododendron macabeanum is just coming out.
Rhododendron macabeanum
Rhododendron macabeanum
Nearby the newly registered Magnolia ‘Tropicana’ has snuck out without us noticing. It is a good name for this peculiar mix of colours which will not be to everyone’s taste. Will it last until next Saturday week for the second Rosemoor show?
Magnolia ‘Tropicana’
Magnolia ‘Tropicana’
Magnolia ‘Tropicana’
Magnolia ‘Tropicana’
The view from above Hovel Cart Road is still good but the magnolias have caught it in Old Park and little still showing in the distance here.
view from above Hovel Cart Road
view from above Hovel Cart Road
Azalea ‘Tebotan’ is out outside the back yard and although I think the true from is in the rockery and by the front gate at Burncoose.
Azalea ‘Tebotan’
Azalea ‘Tebotan’
Yet another visit to the new sluice gate in Penvergate with Environment Agency staff. As discussed earlier the contractors have installed it 150 or more yards down from where we all agreed it was to go so now the runoff water in summer flash floods can only drain off in a third of the adjacent bog rather than the whole of it. The EA ponder getting the contractor to move it! The fish channel is clearly set too high and unusable by fish as well so all in all a total ‘balls up’. We had put in the boards to dam up the stream in the morning and had a good pond by the time we met. I suspect this all has some way to go yet.
new sluice gate in Penvergate
new sluice gate in Penvergate

Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Geisha Girl’ is just coming into flower by the tower.

Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Geisha Girl’
Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Geisha Girl’
Magnolia x loebneri ‘Snowdrift’ is flowering above Four in Hand for the first time. Nothing special at all really.
Magnolia x loebneri ‘Snowdrift’
Magnolia x loebneri ‘Snowdrift’
Below Four in Hand is a large magnolia tree with smallish cup shaped white flowers which flowers quite late in magnolia terms. We have lost the label and it is not in the planting plan although I put it there 20 to 25 years ago. What could it be with a habit like this? Perhaps a Magnolia denudata shape but too big a flower and too big a tree? Certainly not a Magnolia soulangeana variety so what is left? Not really a Magnolia x veitchii flower shape either but quite nice!
large magnolia tree with smallish cup shaped white flowers
large magnolia tree with smallish cup shaped white flowers
large magnolia tree with smallish cup shaped white flowers
large magnolia tree with smallish cup shaped white flowers
The wild violets are out but, when you look closely, the flowers are too large and these have hybridised with cultivated violas. These used to grow at The Vean before reconstruction and the Top Lodge before tarmac covered them. They were proper Irish ‘gypsy’ violets and these are all that remain today. Pity!
wild violets
wild violets
Magnolia x loebneri ‘Wildcat’ may have been battered by the wind but it is still miles better than ‘Snowdrift’ above. Too much naming, again, of hybrids/seedlings which are too similar to other varieties.
Magnolia x loebneri ‘Wildcat’
Magnolia x loebneri ‘Wildcat’

2015 – CHW

MAGNOLIA 'Peachy'
MAGNOLIA ‘Peachy’
MAGNOLIA 'Peachy'
MAGNOLIA ‘Peachy’

Magnolia ‘Peachy’ is now out by Tin Garden.  This is apparently from the same seedpan or a similar cross to our Fertile Myrtle x sprengeri ‘Diva’.  ‘Peachy’ is slightly less horrible with more of a hint of peach as it first comes out rather than the more vulgar stripes on our as yet unnamed (?) ‘Fruit Salad’.  The third seedling from this batch is ‘Flamingo’ [get from Jaimie] which is somewhat different again.  This is not yet a plant which we grow.

MAGNOLIA 'Margaret Helen'
MAGNOLIA ‘Margaret Helen’
MAGNOLIA 'Margaret Helen' 02
MAGNOLIA ‘Margaret Helen’

Magnolia ‘Margaret Helen’ is finally out on the drive.  A New Zealand cross very similar to ‘Caerhays Surprise’.  BlueBell Nursery say that Margaret Helen is the best second flowerer of any magnolia with them in September/October.  We have never seen a second flowering on Caerhays Surprise which implies that Margaret Helen has some Magnolia soulangeana in its parentage which Caerhays Surprise certainly does not.

MAGNOLIA 'Randy' 02
MAGNOLIA ‘Randy’
MAGNOLIA 'Randy'
MAGNOLIA ‘Randy’

Magnolia ‘Randy’ is showing colour.  This is one of ‘the girls’  crosses between Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’ and Magnolia stellata ‘Rosea’.  I first saw these 35 years ago working in the Valley Gardens at Windsor.  Despite attaching wires to the root ball to deter theft ‘Randy’ was always the first to be pinched.  The plant is rather dark in bud but it is supposed to be a light pink later so possibly a naming cockup here.  It may in fact be ‘Ricki’.  Time will tell.  Good to see that the new Hillier’s now lists only the best eight of ‘the girls’ and not the full dozen or more which always caused confusion (Susan, Pinkie, Jane, Ann, Judy and Betty).  Frankly the list could be cut further but then these are ideal plants for smaller gardens or tub growing.  ‘Susan’ performs best here.

Two tours today (Sunday) involving 52 people.  The tea rooms are coping well and also an endurance ride of 20 mules starting from the beach.  The film crew have set up their compound above the café in the Outer Park field for filming from tomorrow.  All extra so good news.

2003 – FJW
Might soon call this Sunday ‘Primrose Day’.

1998 – FJW
Snow on Easter Sunday. No swallows seen. Cold and floods up country. Camellias A+.

1996 – FJW
Swallows active. First good soak for some weeks. New Mag on Drive [J C Williams] excellent. Very late season. Daffs at their best. Excellent year for Camellias.

1979 – FJW
First swallows seen. (D.J.W.). T H Jobson died Maunday Thursday.

1969 – FJW
Swallows seen for first time.

1963 – FJW
Magnolias at their best.

1955 – CW
Went to Beech Walk extremely early. V. G Irroratum 200 yards beyond but Camellia japonica very few flowers. No sign of life at Trevennen – Mrs Butlers some at best. No buds on young magnolias. Big Robusta one at Donkey Shoe V.G. Saw Julians unknown plant above crino hedge, ‘he thought a Mag perhaps’, only a Reticulata with leaves blown off. Not very deep knowledge at his age.

1931 – JCW
Magnolia sargentiana opened its first flowers, very large purplish pink flowers, quite a fine tree. The daffs have reached Poet Arums and De Graaf opening, and it has been a very good season indeed.

1930 – JCW
Some Calophytums open but not all, a bad flowering year for them. The early Kobus – soulangeana – conspicua one plant. Salicifolia shows colour. Denudata nearly all out. Madame de Graaf is open in the Drive and poets are near opening.Several Prunus incisa V.G.

1929 – JCW
Magnolia denudata has been most remarkable but is on the wane. Bean put the best Kobus down as having two thousand blooms open. The swallows at the house today. The big pink Calophytum is at its best. The neriflorums are very good. Rho praecox is over but was excellent. The nursery wall stellata is in full flower.

1928 – JCW
Cernus rubens is at half length in the Donkey Show, Augustinii nears its best. Campylocarpum x auklandii is very nice. Neriflorums are very good. Auklandii buds far on. Mag halleana is fully out. Mag alba ‘Superba’ and speciosa both open.

1917 – JCW
P D saw the first martins.

1910 – JCW
Show day. De Graaf and Auklandii open, some poets there, a good show but flowers were short of moisture, rain came in the evening. Swallows came 3 days ago, the pendulous cherry most lovely, the others opening.

1909 – JCW
Swallows at the pond. A late season. C reticulata a few open, no de Graaf, similar to 1900. Shilsonii very good and so the Argenteums, probably the best things we have out.

1898 – JCW
Bob saw the first swallow.